Radiologic Technology Program

Overview

The Radiologic Technology Program is a twenty-one month (five
sequential semesters) course of study leading to an associate's
degree. Students are admitted in the fall, with a limited number of
openings each year. Graduates will be eligible to take the national
registry examination administered by the American Registry of
Radiologic Technologists (AART). Not all courses in this program
transfer to all colleges. Students planning to transfer should see
an academic advisor before enrollment in any courses.

As part of the educational training students receive hands-on
experience from available clinical sites (hospitals).

Enrollment is limited (30 students per session), so call
(517) 483-1410 to sign-up.

Nature of Work

Radiologic Technologists, also called radiographers, take
x-rays and administer non-radioactive materials into patients'
blood streams for diagnostic purposes. The also produce x-ray
films (radiographs) of internal parts of the body for use in
diagnosing medical problems. They prepare patients for
radiologic examinations by explaining the procedure, removing
articles such as jewelry, through which x-rays cannot pass, and
positioning patients so that the parts of the body can be
appropriately radiographed.

To prevent unnecessary radiation exposure, they surround the
exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as lead
shields, or limit the size of the x-ray beam. Radiographers
position radiographic equipment at the correct angle and height
over the appropriate area of a patient's body. Using instruments
similar to a measure tape, they may measure the thickness of the
section to be radiographer and set controls on the x-ray machine
to produce radiographs of the appropriate density, detail, and
contrast. Experienced radiographers may perform more complex
imaging procedures. For fluoroscopes, radiographers prepare a
solution of contrast medium for the patient to drink, allowing
the radiologist, a physician who interprets radiographs, to see
soft tissues in the body.

Some radiographers, called CT technologists, operate
computerized tomography scanners to produce cross sectional
images of patients. Others operate machines using strong magnets
and radio waves rather than radiation to create an image and are
called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists.

Radiologic Technologists must follow physicians' orders
precisely and conform to regulations concerning use of radiation
to protect themselves, their patients, and coworkers from
unnecessary exposure. Most radiologic technologists are employed
in hospitals, clinics and physician offices.

Employment Prospects

Faster-than-average growth in demand for radiographers will
arise from an increase in the number of middle-aged and older
persons who are the primary users of diagnostic procedures.
Radiologic technologists who are educated and credentialed in
more than one type of diagnostic imaging technology, such as
radiography and sonography or nuclear medicine, will have the
best employment opportunities.

Skills You Need

Skills in the area of communication, physical strength, and
observation are required for a successful career as a radiologic
technologist. Radiologic technologists and technicians should be
sensitive to patients' physical and psychological needs. They
must pay attention to detail, follow instructions, and work as
part of a team. In addition, operating complicated equipment
requires mechanical ability and manual dexterity. High school
courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology are
helpful.

Expected Earnings

The median annual wage for radiologic technologists was
$54,620 in May 2012. The median wage is the wage at which half
the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and
half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than
$37,060, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $77,160.

The median annual wage for MRI technologists was $65,360 in May
2012. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $46,400, and the
highest 10 percent earned more than $89,130.

Most radiologic and MRI technologists work full time. Because
imaging is needed in emergency situations, some technologists
work evenings, weekends, or on call.

Curriculum

To view degree and certificate requirements click on the
curriculum code below.

Enrollment is limited (30 students per session), so call
(517) 483-1410 to sign-up.

For more information, please contact Brian Pickford at (517)
483-5379.

Program Effectiveness Data

The performance of the program is reflected through program
effectiveness data as defined by the Joint Review Committee on
Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Program
effectiveness data includes the program completion rate,
credentialing examination pass rate and job placement rate.
Explanations of these measures and program data that correspond
with the annual report that was recently submitted to the JRCERT
are noted below. Additional information can also be obtained at
the JRCERT website at
www.jrcert.org/resources/program-effectiveness-data.
Questions about this program effectiveness data should be
directed to the Program Director.

The radiography program's 2013 annual report to the JRCERT reflected the
following:

Completion Rate- January 1 through December 31, 2013 (graduates of 2013)

This is an annual measurement of the number of students that began the
program divided by the number of students who actually completed the program.
Twenty four (24) of the twenty eight (28) students enrolled completed the
program and graduated. The program's completion rate for 2013 was 85%.
(24/28=85%)

Credentialing Examination Pass Rate- (2009 through 2013)

This is the number of students that pass the American Registry of Radiologic
Technologist (ARRT) certification examination on their first attempt after
graduation. This number reflects a five (5) year span. The program's examination
pass rate for this period of time is 81%. One hundred two (102) of the one
hundred twenty-five (125) graduates taking the exam passed the exam on their
first attempt. (102/125=81%)

Job Placement Rate- (2009 through 2013)

Consistent with the Standards (2014) for all educational programs, the
five-year average job placement rate, previously calculated at six months post
graduation, is now calculated at twelve months post graduation beginning with
our 2013 graduates. The revised definition is as follows:

"Five-year average job placement rate of not less than 75 percent within twelve
months of graduation for graduates actively seeking employment in (Radiography,
Radiation therapy, Magnetic Resonance, or Medical Dosimetry)."

The program's five-year job placement rate for this period of time is 75%.
Seventy three (73) out of the ninety-seven (97) graduates who were actively
seeking employment obtained jobs during this period of time. (73/97=75%)

Goal - Students will be
clinically competent Student Learning
Outcomes
Students will perform exams with appropriate
supervision for clinical level.

Students will analyze exams for accuracy of
positioning and technique.

Goal - Students will use
critical thinking skillsStudent Learning OutcomesStudents will successfully complete (at
85% or higher) their laboratory component of
IRXT 111 and 112 which is based on scenarios and
"what if" situations.

Students will manipulate technical factors to
accommodate various circumstances (size,
pathology, age, etc.)

Goal - Students will
communicate effectivelyStudent Learning OutcomesStudents will communicate with patients
in a respectful and considerate manner.

Students will communicate effectively with
departmental and hospital staff.

2. To prepare
the student for successful completion of the
certification examination in radiography,
administered by the American Registry of
Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Students will successfully pass ARRT
Examination on first attempt (Program will
maintain a five-year average of at least 80% on
first attempt).

3. To provide
graduate radiographers with resources that will
contribute to successful job placement as an
entry-level radiologic technologist upon
graduation.

Program will maintain a five-year job
placement average of not less than 75% which is
a JRCERT Standard.

4. To develop a
radiographer who has the ability to establish
effective professional relationships with
colleagues, patients and their families.

Goal - Students will exhibit
professionalism.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will project poise and self
confidence.
Students will maintain privacy and modesty of
patients.
Students will handle situations as they arise,
maintaining composure.

The Associate Degree Program in Radiologic Technology is
conducted by Lansing Community College as a contribution to the
health education needs of the community whom it serves.
Resources provided by the College, cooperating community
hospitals, and other health agencies are utilized in the basic
Radiologic Technology Program. The qualified student is provided
with educational opportunities in a college environment, and
shares the intellectual and social responsibilities, privileges,
and experiences with college students in other disciplines.

Within this framework, the faculty and administrators assumes
responsibility for planning, supervising, and evaluating
selected learning experiences. These experiences are developed
to meet established objectives, College requirements for the
Associate Degree in Applied Science, and eligibility to write
the registry examination as established by the American Registry
of Radiologic Technologists along with the American Society of
Radiologic Technologists who establish curriculum guidelines.

Further, the Faculty believes that Radiologic Technology is a
health service, shared with other health disciplines, which has
a basic responsibility for promoting health, conserving life,
and assisting the individual to achieve an optimum health status
and self sufficiency. As a member of the patient oriented team,
the radiologic technologist utilizes basic knowledge and skills
which contribute to patient care and diagnostic needs.

Radiologic Technology Program Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Radiologic Technology Program start?
The program starts every August at the beginning of Fall
Semester, and continues for 21 consecutive months.

Is the program full time? Is there a part-time option?
The program is full time, and there is no part time option.
Students move through five semesters of courses as a cohort.
There is only one section offered for each course in the
program. Each semester (except summer) there is classroom work
at the college, combined with clinical courses as local
hospitals and medical centers. Summer semester is 40 hours of
clinical per week.

Can I keep my job during the program?
Most of the students in the program do have part-time
employment. Keep in mind that jobs must work around the class
and clinical schedule.

Where are the clinical sites located?
The program cooperates with 13 clinical sites in several
counties. We have sites in Lansing, Howell, Hastings, Charlotte,
St. Johns, East Lansing and Ionia. Students will be assigned to
two different clinical sites over the course of the program.
Students are assigned to the various assignments by the Clinical
Coordinator. Students must have dependable transportation for
getting to any of the clinical sites. Students do not get to
select their own clinical assignments.

How many students a year are accepted into the program?
How is the selection made?
At this time, the program accepts 28 students a year. Students
are accepted based on a point system which is explained in the
Advising Guide. Students with the most points are offered a seat
in the program. Since the pool of applicants changes every year,
the number of points needed to gain acceptance changes every
year.

When is the application deadline?
The deadline for fall admission each year is May 1st. Classes
taken spring semester each year may be counted toward the
admission requirements. May 17th is the date for courses
transferring in each year.

Radiography Program achieves maximum Accreditation of 8 years
from JRCERT. Read more about the
Accreditation letter.

Before you consider a career in Radiologic Technology
click here. The article is reprinted with permission of the ASRT
(jbuehler@asrt.org).

Selective Admission Information

May 1st Application Deadline

This is a selective admission program. In order to be considered
as a candidate for this program, students must meet basic program
admission requirements, as well as those required for admission to
the College. Students will also be ranked for admission based on
points awarded according to additional criteria. Many of the courses
for this program are open only to students officially admitted to
the Radiologic Technology Program.

All admission procedures are coordinated through the Enrollment
Services Office, which has the responsibility for distributing,
receiving, and dating application forms. Therefore, any student
desiring admission into this program should contact the Enrollment
Services Office, Gannon Building, Room 203, (517) 483-1200, email
selective_admissions@lcc.edu to receive an application or go to
www.lcc.edu/futurestars/apply/selective/ to print an
application. The student may then contact the program advisor for
further information.

Students meeting Phase I Admission Requirements will be ranked
for admittance into the program using the Phase II Admission Ranking
point system. Points will only be awarded to students who meet
the Phase I Admission Requirements at the time selection for
students for admission is made.

The student applicant is responsible for providing verification of
other information not contained in the current Lansing Community
College official transcrip

MEMORY: Remember task/assignments given to self and
others over both short and long periods of time; duplicate
settings/exposure factors of x-ray machine.

STRESS: Work with patients who may be very young or
old, critically ill or injured, or mentally or physically deficient/
impaired; work in other departments such as surgery and emergency room,
work with a constantly changing group of staff and resident physicians,
medical students, etc.

CRITICAL THINKING: Have ability to make clinical
judgments when working independently to obtain diagnostic images.

COMMUNICATION: Communicate sufficiently for
interaction with others in verbal and written form.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE: Not use a Schedule 1 drug; does
not use amphetamines, narcotics, or any other habit-forming drug unless
prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner.

INTERPERSONAL: Interact with individuals, families,
and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and
intellectual backgrounds. Must be able to establish rapport with
patients, colleagues, faculty, and professional staff.

Environmental Conditions

The charter of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths. Since OSHA
was created in 1971, work-related deaths have decreased by approximately
62% and work-related injuries have decreased by 42%.

As a radiology student you will be exposed to a variety of substances
within the work environment and hospital sites. You can expect exposure
to blood, body tissues, and fluids. There is the potential of exposure
to electrical hazards, hazardous waste materials, radiation, poisonous
substances, chemicals, loud or unpleasant noises and high stress
emergency situations. Upon acceptance into the Radiologic Technology
Program students will be notified regarding a mandatory online OSHA
Blood-Borne Pathogen and Universal Precautions training session.

Criminal Background Check

The Radiologic Technology Program requires students to have criminal
background and drug screenings done prior to their starting clinical
rotations. Background checks and drug screenings are the
responsibility of the student. Background checks can be done by
going to the Michigan State Police ICHAT website at
http://apps.michigan.gov/ichat/home.aspx the cost is presently
$10.00. Drug screenings can be done through many different
sources, the clinical coordinator will provide additional information
during orientation. Cost for drug screenings are approximately
$30.00. Any positive results from criminal background checks
and/or drug screenings may prevent the student from being placed in a
clinical setting, and/or admitted to the program.

Due to Michigan State Law, admission into the Radiologic Technology
Program will be denied if an individual can't be placed in a clinical
setting pursuant to MCL 333.20173a. If you have a misdemeanor or
felony on your record, please consult with an attorney before applying
to this program.

Any applicant who has been charged or convicted of a misdemeanor or
felony should complete a pre-application to the ARRT (American Registry
of Radiologic Technologists). Additional information can be
provided by the Radiologic Technology Program personnel or by contacting
the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists at
www.arrt.org.

Clinical Rotations

Delivery of imaging services has undergone significant changes over
the past several years and these services are indeed a 24/7 service.
Because of our program's nine clinical education centers being located
in six different counties around the Lansing area, students must have
dependable transportation to any assignment. Students will be assigned
to two (2) different clinical education centers during their time in the
program. During the student's summer and 2nd year fall and spring
semesters a maximum of 25% of their total clinical hours may be spent in
an evening and/or weekend assignments. A student's combined didactic and
clinical contact hours will not exceed 40 hours per week. Additional
information regarding clinical rotations will be given to students
during their program orientation.

Pregnancy Policy

Dear Female Applicant,

The Radiologic Technology Program of Lansing Community College
requests that you read our policy pertaining to pregnancy. The policy is
designed to inform female applicants/students of the program guidelines
for radiation protection of an unborn child.

The sponsorship of the program adheres to the stated rule
(#R325.5205.) of the "Ionizing Radiation Rules" provided by the Michigan
Department of Consumer & Industry Services, and Regulatory Guide 8.13
provided by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. A copy of this
policy is provided to all female applicants prior to their admittance to
the program.

In order for a pregnant student to fully ensure compliance with the
lower radiation exposure limit and dose monitoring requirements, the
student must declare her pregnancy to the Program. If at any time during
the program the student decides to voluntarily declare a pregnancy she
must provide written notification to the Program Director or Clinical
Coordinator.

In the event of a declared pregnancy, the following course of action
shall be implemented:

The Program Director will review with the student NCR Regulatory
Guide #8.13, "Instruction Concerning Prenatal Radiation Exposure." The
student will sign a declaration indicating receipt of this regulation.

The student will receive counseling regarding minimizing radiation
exposure to the embryo/fetus.

In an effort to closely monitor the radiation dose to the fetus, a
fetal dosimeter will be ordered for the student, to be worn at the
students waist, under the lead apron, if applicable.

The student will be given the option of taking a leave of absence
from the program, but may continue with proper precautions. If a leave
is chosen, the Program will work with the student for planned re-entry
at the next appropriate semester.

If the student continues in the program, and the student feels
physical restrictions are applicable, she must obtain documentation from
her physician attesting to that fact. The Program will attempt to
reasonably accommodate this request.

In reference to the radiation dose limits applicable to the
embryo/fetus, the stated published federal and state standards document
limits less than 500mR during the entire pregnancy.

At any time a student may retract their declaration of pregnancy by
providing written documentation to the Program Director or Clinical
Coordinator.

What's Going On - Radiologic Technology

Radiography Program achieves maximum Accreditation of 8 years from
JRCERT. Read more about the
Accreditation letter.

The program is offering a CT Basics course for the
registered/registry eligible technologist.

Program has also started a collaborative effort with five other
Michigan colleges offering MRI education.

Scholarships

The awards are offered for a maximum of three semesters over
a period of two consecutive years (Fall, Spring and one Summer
Semester.) Renewal each semester is contingent upon the
recipient meeting all award requirements. The Awards will cover
up to $1,096 in tuition and fees each fall and spring semester
and up to $382 for an optional summer semester. These amounts
will cover approximately 12 billing hours plus partial fees in
Fall and Spring Semesters and 4 billing hours plus partial fees
in Summer Semester. An award recipient must: